Aminya Academy August Intensives are the perfect opportunity to fast track your Natural Therapies qualifications. Our courses are Government Accredited.

This is an opportunity to fast track your natural therapies qualification from our pristine location at Marcoola on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. We are only a few minutes from the airport and directly opposite a wide variety of resorts and accommodation, as well as Marcoola Beach!

A full list of units being offered is listed below. You can also visit our Sunshine Coast course calendar for other sessions that have been scheduled. These are constantly updated. If you have any questions please contact our Sunshine Coast Campus.

We hope you can join us! Please contact us to reserve your spot as places are limited.

Basic Massage – 4 Days | August 1, 2, 3 & 8

This unit describes the skills required to prepare clients for and to administer basic massage treatment. To
describe the skills and knowledge required to interpret information gathered in the health assessment then
make and review accurate assessment for basic massage treatment, according to the philosophy and
practices of a massage therapy framework.

Musculo-Skeletal – 2 days | August 4 & 5

Musculo-skeletal describes a detailed level of knowledge of anatomy and physiology required to confirm
physical health status including skeletal structure, function, formation and movement and the in-depth
knowledge of the relationship between muscles and the skeleton.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage – 4 days |August 4-7

Learn the origins and history of lymphatic drainage and an overview of lymphatic, immune, circulatory,
endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. Learn also indications, contraindications, precautions of
lymphatic drainage and how to utilise essential oils in this unit.

This unit covers general Infection Control and WHS requirements according to legislation and codes of
practice, including duties and responsibilities for all parties under the general duty of care. Work will usually
be performed within a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures.

Provide Aromatherapy Massage Treatments – 4 days | August 9-12

This subject provides the student with the skills necessary to perform a full body aromatherapy therapeutic
massage, including knowledge of an aromatherapy environment, points to note with massage therapy
treatment, contraindications, and precautions, keeping good client history records and aromatherapy
massage sequences.

Structural Alignment 1 – 2 days | August 12 & 13

Structural Alignment Analysis 1 provides the skills and knowledge required to confirm physical health status using observation and palpations and also assessing posture, gait, mobility and length of pertinent muscles.

Foundations of Product Making – 2 days | August 13 & 14

Describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a client for an aromatherapy treatment and
negotiate a treatment management plan with them over the course of treatment required. It also describes
the skills and knowledge required to develop aromatherapy products according to aromatherapy principles.

Development Aromatherapy Treatments for conditions – 2 days | August 15 & 16

Develop Aromatherapy Treatments describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a client for an aromatherapy treatment and negotiate a treatment management plan with them over the course of treatment required.It also describes the skills and knowledge required to develop aromatherapy products according to aromatherapy principles.

Anatomy, Physiology & Pathophysiology – 2 days | August 17 & 18

This unit describes the application of in-depth level of knowledge of anatomy and physiology required to
analyse available health information in relation to specific services provided. History and information of
various modalities including Western modern, traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine will be covered.
Body systems will be reviewed and taught, including nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic,
immune and integumentary among others.

Engage with Health Professionals – 2 days | August 21 & 22

This unit introduces the student to natural therapies in general. The student investigates the options of
other practitioners in their area and learns how to make referrals.

Interpret and Use Information About Nutrition and Diet – 2 days | August 23 & 24

This unit requires the operator to demonstrate in their practice an understanding of nutrition as it applies to
the performance of natural therapy treatments. Knowledge of relevant legislation and workplace policies
and procedures, particularly in regard to safety and hygiene, are also required.

Advanced Product Making – 2 days | August 25 & 26

Create products for individual therapeutic application, bottle and label products correctly. Research and
discuss the history of perfumery and identify the dilutions of the perfumes and waters. Discuss packaging
and presentation of productions.

Reflexology 1 – 4 days | August 30 – September 2

This unit addresses the necessity for the student to understand the basic requirements for employment
within a reflexology environment, addressing reflexology as a complementary health care modality,
researching its history and evaluating its use in the health field workplace.

Phone 07 5450 5323

Irritation to the throat and lungs causes a cough as a natural healthy response to rid the body of the irritant. Most of us cough now and again, but coughing can become uncontrollable and be a sign of an infection in the airways. Coughs can be productive in order to expel mucus, however a dry cough is non-productive.

Coughing is a wonderfully noisy condition. The whole household can hear you coughing, so this symptom can occur because we feel the need to be heard. We want attention. “Listen to me” says our cough, “I am irritated”.

Write out the following affirmations and post them on your bathroom mirror. As you brush your teeth morning and night repeat these words to yourself:

I am listened to and understood

I express myself easily and clearly

I have room to breathe.

Use a humidifier to keep the air moist. Even bowls of water stood around the room can help, but you will need to refill every few days as they will collect dust.

Eating the right foods can help too. Licorice tea can help make a cough more productive. Slippery elm powder in a glass of water can help a dry cough. Soups have been shown to be good for coughs, especially chicken soup. Spicy foods can have an expectorant effect.

Keep Vitamin C levels high by consuming lots of kiwis, blueberries, citrus fruits and broccoli. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water.

Avoid dairy products as these can encourage mucus production as can bananas, oats and wheat products in some people. Caffeine in tea, coffee, chocolate and cola should also be avoided as they can contribute to dehydration.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Elizabeth Hughes is the founder of Your Body Has The Answer Pty Ltd and was Head of Progressive Kinesiology in the United Kingdom. She graduated from Warwick University in England, with a B.A. Honours degree in Psychology and Education.

Each of us will suffer through the runny noses, persistent coughs or aches and pain of the cold and flu at some stage in our lives. When we are run down, we become susceptible to the dreaded lurgies and illness will always come at the most inconvenient time.

Essential Oils for Symptom Relief

Essential oils really stand out when it comes to symptom relief. They have a natural affinity with our respiratory system and have the ability to reduce congestion and thin out mucous, reduce our cough response, ease the pain of fever and kill off air borne bacteria. They can also ease that desolate feeling that only a bad snuffle can produce.

Tailor Made Aromatic Chemistry

Knowing your aromatic chemistry really pays off at times like these. We can tailor our blends to suit individual needs and use nature in a directed way. Bring out the 1,8-cineoles and feel the benefits. Cineole-rich essential oils will reduce inflammatory reactions and prevent the spread of infection. Terpene alcohols are excellent choices for chronic bronchitis. Monoterpene alcohols will be pleasantly uplifting and safe and antiseptic.

Recently I developed a very bad flu, which was lovingly passed to me from my beloved. I was stressed out, overworked and then out action for 2 weeks!

My 5 Oil Response List and How I Use Them

I have included my 5 oil response list and these choices are a mix of essential oils which I have a personal affinity for:

Myrtle Myrtus communis

Lemon Citrus limon

Eucalyptus Eucalpytus radiata

Honey Myrtle Melaleuca teretifolia

Pine Pinus sylvestris

It’s possible to mix and match depending upon your situation, and I like to swap each oil synergy every 48 to 36 hours in order to avoid sensitisation. I also have found anecdotally, that by rotating my blends, their efficacy improves – or I feel a sense of improvement, at least. Let’s face it – when struck by flu, any positive mood enhancement is a plus! This is how I used my experience in Clinical Aromatherap

Myrtle Myrtus communis and Lemon Citrus limon combined at a 1& dilution for a chest rub and foot rub and applied 3 times a day for three days eases head congestion, warms the chest and soothes the cough response. I used Olive Oil out of my pantry as a base.

Eucalpytus radiata is a wonderful inhalation that eases catarrh and decongests the head. I added 3 drops to a cup of Magnesium sulphate and added it to the bath for the relief of aches and pains. As I had my flu when the weather was still warm, my choice was cooling to my body, and clearing to the mind. Inhalations significantly improved my respiratory function.

Note for Asthmatics and Small Children: Do always be careful with Eucalpytus oils though, People who have Asthma, or small children under 5 years of age should choose their oils carefully. Eucalyptus can actually be too much for some people, so start with minimal doses and work your way up if unsure.

Honey Myrtle Melaleuca teretifolia eases congestion and kills air-borne bugs. 4 to 6 drops added to a electric oil vapouriser gets rid of that ‘sick smell’ and brings a sense of freshness. Even though I was snotty and miserable and feverish, I felt clean. I find Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus will have a similar effect, even though my preference is to use the herb over the oil.

Pine Pinus sylvestris is a safe and gentle decongestant and disinfectant which contains 50 to 97% monoterpene hydrocarbons. It is suitable for prolonged use and is one of the best oils to clear cold phlegm from the lungs. Sometimes I would add this to my bath and I added drops to my Shower Gel base and used it on a face cloth in a steaming shower at night. It was less stimulating than a Eucalyptus oil, and similar in its decongestant effect.

This was my healing kit, which allowed me to sleep with only one pillow at night and without cold and flu medication. My body was able to heal itself naturally and the infection did not travel from my head. My room smelled prettier than it could have, which was an added benefit.

Choosing Your Own Essential Oil Kit

When choosing your own essential oil kit it is important to choose oils that will possess a wide range of properties. Your choices should be antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and antiviral. They should also be immunostimulants.

Rest and proper nutrition should help with the rest.

About the Author: Katherine Lloyd is the Principal of Aminya Academy Adelaide campus. She was a journalist before embarking on her 25 year journey learning about aromatherapy. Her speciality lies in the mind-body aspect of essential oils. Katherine creates custom blends and botanic artisan perfumes. Her love and passion is education and empowerment. “I have humbly witnessed essential oils and botanicals support our physical bodies while simultaneously soothing our spirits. I think Aromatherapy is one of the kindest and most nurturing of all the healing modalities as a result.”

Reflexology is the ancient treatment of the feet – dating back thousands of years from many cultures of greater Asia, the Middle East and Egypt. Old graphic texts show people massaging the feet of others in various ways. These texts also show various maps of the feet and the relationship to the organs and major joints of the body.

Many forms of treatment took place including massage, oils, and the use of instruments, sticks, stones, knuckles, brushes and the like.

The modern form of reflexology is similar with attention given to our soft skin as these days we tend to wear better shoes than ancient people did. It involves specific massage techniques which stimulate the reflex points of the feet in relation to the organs and joints.

What is reflexology good for?

Apart from the obvious – (it’s great for your feet!); research studies have shown that reflexology is very effective for constipation, diarrhoea, anxiety, depression, and during uncomplicated labour to bring balance and improve efficiency of contractions.

I have also helped people with headaches/sore neck/hips/knees/back using specific reflexology points to alleviate pain and soreness from those areas. They are usually amazed at the result. The great thing is I can then teach them how to massage those points at home and continue the treatment for themselves.

Students of reflexology are surprised with wonder at how effective reflexology is when they are learning and experiencing it for themselves on a regular basis.

Reflexology is a mostly gentle, non-invasive way to treatment many common complaints of pain and discomfort without the use of drugs. That’s why more people are interested in learning more about it.

Weight loss is an issue for many in our community. After the holidays most people are feeling a bit sluggish and looking at fasting, detoxing, and joining a gym.

Although the answer may seem simple: eat less and exercise more, the reality is far more complex. For lasting success, psychological factors, hormonal factors and dietary needs must be explored and a holistic approach taken.

Kinesiology allows you to get to the root cause of why you have put on weight and why you are struggling to lose it.

I find with my clients that the cause is often emotional. Layers of fat can be seen as layers of protection. If you feel frightened or insecure you can put on weight in self-defence.

Could carrying weight make you feel less attractive and therefore safer?

You may have put on weight because you want to be noticed.

The bigger you are, the more attention you receive. Has someone ignored you or rejected you recently or in the past?

To dissolve some of the emotional and psychological factors that could be holding weight on your body try the Australian Bush Flower Essence – WILD POTATO BUSH – It is for feeling heavy and physically encumbered and will help you feel light and revitalised. You can easily buy a bottle of this in the health food store or pharmacy.

Affirmations can also help you feel more positive about losing weight. Repeat the following sentences to yourself morning and evening:

I achieve the perfect weight for me easily

I am always noticed and respected

I am safe and secure at all times

I write the affirmations on sticky notes and pop them on my bathroom mirror so as I clean my teeth morning and night I use that time to read and repeat them.

I hope you will embrace a kinesiological approach to your health and start to shed some heavy layers both emotionally and physically from your body.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Elizabeth Hughes is the founder of Your Body Has The Answer Pty Ltd and was Head of Progressive Kinesiology in the United Kingdom. She graduated from Warwick University in England, with a B.A. Honours degree in Psychology and Education.

It’s a new year and that means most health funds reset – time to check your cover!

Do you know what you’re getting cover for when you signed up for private health insurance?
There are a lot of people who have ‘extras’ or ‘ancillary’ cover on their private health insurance who are not taking regular opportunities to avail themselves of the rebate for remedial massage.

When, for example, we signed up for health insurance with our current provider, we stated that we would like cover that includes rebates for regular massage therapy. When the calculations were done, the salesman stated that our level of cover equated to the ability to have a discounted massage every 2 weeks.

“Sweet!” I thought. Because I usually have a remedial massage every 3 weeks to manage ongoing myalgia issues. So now I just have my regular appointments made every three weeks, stay healthy and happy (happy wife, happy life, right?)

But how do you choose a quality massage therapy provider and how do you know they are providing that services and not just a ‘back-yarder’?

Here are a few things to look for when considering a remedial massage therapist:

Are they a registered member of a natural therapies association?

Look for associations such as Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT), Australian Natural Therapies Association (ANTA) and (AMT).

If these are not readily visible on the person’s advertising, then simply ask, or look them up. The associations have their registered members listed.

A registered massage therapist has undergone an industry recognised and accredited training, has a current first aid certificate and public indemnity insurance.

Are they registered with HICAPS?

HICAPS is a financial scheme which allows the holder of participating health insurance cards to claim their rebate ‘on the spot’ and the consumer simply then pays the gap directly to the provider.

Whilst this is not mandatory, it demonstrates a level of commitment to the industry by having made the steps to be recognised by the big health insurance providers. Medibank Private currently governs the status quo of massage therapy in the HICAPS arena.

HICAPS is also convenient for consumers as they can pay for everything with card – health insurance card and credit cards. No cash necessary.

So check out your private health insurance to see what you can get as a rebate for massage therapy – it’s easy, just ask for a quote! If you ‘re considering a particular therapist it’s also okay to ask what their fee is so that you can get a corrected quote from your provider. That way you know how much gap fee you’ll need to pay. Makes the treatment a lot more enjoyable when you know what the bill will be and not getting a surprise at the end!

Have a great week!

Kirsty is an experienced remedial massage therapist who owns and operates a studio business at Strathpine called Caring Cottage. You can contact her anytime for more information or go on the webpage www.caringcottage.com.au

Christmas can be a time of joy but to many it becomes a time of stress. The following are a choice of Essential Oils that I use to help me get through the festive season.

I use it as a vaporiser blend and have it vaporising in my diffuser 24 hours a day.

It conjures up feelings of past family Christmases, Mum’s home cooked pies and Christmas pudding. The Christmas tree which was chosen from the choice of real trees from the grower up the road and midnight mass at the local church, lovely childhood memories.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

Sedative to the nervous system

Stimulates circulatory system

Helps with nervous tension

Stress related conditions

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Useful for nervous exhaustion and stress related conditions

Scotch Pine ((Pinus sylvestris)

Stimulates and aids the adrenals and nervous system

Lemon (Citrus limon)

Lifts the spirit a great tonic and quencher

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Sedative / tonic

Good for letting go of anxiety and fear

Modifies the sweetness of a blend in an intriguing way

About the Author: Denise Lynds has been managing director of Aminya Natural Therapies since 2004, and is based at Head Office on the Sunshine Coast. She has had 26 years of nursing experience in Australia and overseas, and along with her team, has successfully incorporated aromatherapy, reflexology and massage programs in over 150 health facilities, helping to bridge the gap between allopathic medicine and natural therapies. Denise was part of the team to develop the Advanced Diploma of Aromatic Medicine now being delivered at Aminya.